Dealing with a narcissist, whether aromantic partner, roommate, or family member, can be challenging.
Narcissists hold exaggerated opinions of themselves and don’t have much regard for how others feel.
Narcissists make it all about them.
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Their constant need for attention and admiration is, frankly, exhausting.
It’s important to understand how this might affect youand how you might deal with it.
What Is a Narcissist?
A narcissist is someone with an inflated image of themselves.
Someone with narcissism is highly self-centered, to the point where it hurts the people around them.
Narcissism exists on a spectrum.
Some people might possess high levels of narcissistic traits or engage in narcissistic behavior frequently.
This can be confusing, painful, and damaging to the people who deal with them.
To deal with a narcissist, the first step is torecognize the signs.
How to Deal With a Narcissist
Dealing with a narcissist can be exhausting and stressful.
Finding ways to cope is important.
Remind yourself that it’s not personal.
You aren’t to blame for their actions, and you didn’t do anything to cause them.
Boundaries are the things that you are willing and not willing to accept in a relationship.
They are non-negotiable limits that tell others what counts as acceptable and tolerable behavior.
If they engage in this pop in of behavior, the conversation will end.
Creating boundaries isn’t an effort to change the other person.
Instead, these limits clarify that certain behaviors will not be tolerated.
Once you set a boundary, it is important to stick with it.
If the other person violates it, immediately enact the consequences.
Don’t argue or wait for them to respond.
Likewise, dont make idle threats or create ultimatums that you wont follow through on.
Failing to enforce your boundaries means that the other person wont take them seriously.
It is also important to be aware that setting and maintaining your boundaries is an ongoing process.
Remind people what your boundaries are and keep enforcing them.
Watch for Gaslighting
In dealing with a narcissist, you may have noticed a behavior known asgaslighting.
For example:
Dealing with gaslighting isn’t easy, particularly when it is your word against theirs.
Boost Your Self-Esteem
A narcissistic person often undermines others to boost their sense of self.
This can be particularly damaging when the person is always running you down in subtle and non-subtle ways.
The workplace is especially vulnerable to this kind of behavior.
Keep an assertive attitude; narcissists gravitate toward people who enable their antics.
Look for healthy relationships with other people in which you listen to one another.
Recap
Social supportcan help offset the stress of dealing with a narcissist.
Confiding in people you trust is an important way to gain support and strength.
When to Leave
Toxic relationshipscan have a seriously detrimental impact on your mental well-being.
This might mean leaving the situation altogether.
If the situation has turned abusive or otherwise dangerous, seek help as soon as possible.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Look for a therapist who has knowledge and experience in dealing with narcissism.
Your therapist can offer insight and help you better understand your situation and experiences.
Living with a narcissist can take a serious toll on your mental wellness.
Talking to a therapist can help you process and understand your experience.
Takeaways
Living with a narcissist isn’t easy.
Remember that you’re not the problem and don’t take their behaviors personally.
Finally, remember that you dont have to wait for a relationship to become toxic to end it.
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Love Is Respect.What are my boundaries?
Thomas L.Gaslight and gaslighting.The Lancet Psychiatry.
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